Iran, Turkey Boost Intelligence Cooperation After Deal

Officials announce that during 6 month period of eased sanctions the countries will increase trade and intelligence sharing.

By Ari Yashar

First Publish: 11/30/2013, 6:52 PM

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan

AFP photo

On Friday Alireza Bikdeli, Iranian ambassador to Turkey, announced that the two nations would launch "improved cooperation" between their intelligence services following the Iranian nuclear deal.

The two countries have been at odds over the conflict in Syria, as predominantly Sunni Turkey has sharply criticized President Bashar Assad's regime while Shi'ite majority Iran has backed the regime. However, Bikdeli said there were "no grounds" for allegations that Iran is spying on Turkey, reports Al Arabiya.

Turkish cooperation with Iran has in the past led it to increased tension with the US and Israel.

In October, reports revealed that Turkey had disclosed the identities of 10 Iranians working with the Mossad, leading the US to cancel the delivery of 10 Predator drones to Turkey.

Along with the public announcement of greater intelligence cooperation between Turkey and Iran, closer economic ties between the two nations are also already in the works.

Bikdeli further announced that an Iranian delegation will visit Turkey in the near future to discuss increasing trade between the two countries, as reported by the Turkish Hurriyet Daily News.

"There are many areas between Turkey and Iran in which we can conduct trade. We have to revive those (areas)," added Bikdeli.

Last week Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was in Tehran, and Prime Minister Recep Erdogan plans to visit Iran next year following a trip by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Turkey in January.